E1MN Newsletter - March 2025
E1MN Updates
Message from the Minnesota Commissioner of Education
In light of recent discussions surrounding potential changes to the U.S. Department of Education and federal education funding, including executive actions impacting DEI initiatives, MDE remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring every Minnesota student thrives. Commissioner Willie Jett’s letter to Minnesota families and educators addresses these concerns and reinforces MDE's dedication to equity.
For more updates and resources regarding equity and federal policy as it relates to Special Education, see the February 24, 2025 Special Education Updates bulletin.
Hub Spotlight
Work Toolkit: Supporting People
The Supporting People section of the Work Toolkit contains step-by-step guides to helping people fulfill their employment goals, whether they have concerns about working, want to work, or are currently working. Use these guides to have conversations about employment, address barriers, coordinate services and champion employment success. The guides also provide links to helpful tools and resources you can use along the way.
Resources
MDE Program Monitoring: Secondary Transition Trainings
The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) provides online trainings and resources related to special education program monitoring. Secondary Transition resources are available to clarify requirements and provide guidance with moving students from school to post school.
These trainings and resources can benefit both school staff as well as other interagency partners who would like to learn more about IEP requirements for secondary transition and how to collaborate in serving students.
Success Stories
MN APSE Podcast
In the MN APSE Podcast, “If You Believe It, You Can Achieve It”, MN APSE’s Chris Davies talks with self-advocates, policymakers, providers and others involved in efforts in Minnesota to raise the bar of employment for people living with disabilities and mental health challenges.
In Season 5 Episode 1, Chris Davies is joined by Aaron Weikum, a Senior Labor Investigator with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry. In this episode, Weikum shares his personal journey as an adult living with Autism, shedding light on the myriad challenges he has navigated within the workforce.
Events
Eliminating the Subminimum Wage Series: Real Wages for Real People!
In this webinar series hosted by the Metro Regional Quality Council, you will learn what subminimum wages are, why they exist, and how they impact people with disabilities. Expert speakers will share real-life examples, discuss current policies, and explore ideas for fairer pay practices.
April 1: History and Current Landscape
April 8: Provider Experience Panel
April 15: Self-Advocate and Parent Experience Panel
April 22: Benefits and Planning with Competitive Employment
April 29: Audience Questions and Comments
When: April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Registration: Eliminating the Subminimum Wage Series registration is now open
The Dignity of Work: An International Forum
The Dignity of Work: An International Forum will bring together employers, scholars, and disability employment service providers on March 19 for a global, online event open to anyone that will be hosted by the Institute on Community Integration.
Presenters from Ukraine, Japan, Malaysia, India, the Czech Republic, the United States, and Australia will discuss the current state of employment for people with disabilities, the use of robotics to support employment, and other topics. Presenters will share customized disability hiring initiatives by employers, along with academic analyses of employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Presentations run during the morning and evening to accommodate participants' multiple time zones.
When: March 19th, 9:00am-1:45pm and 6:00pm-10:00pm
MIHEC Learning Community Event: Ramp-Up to Readiness
At the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium's April Learning Community event, join Dr. Jennifer Kunze for an insightful session on how high schools are using Ramp-Up to Readiness to prepare students in grades 6–12 for success in their postsecondary pathways. Educators, students, and families will learn how to support students in building academic, admissions, career, financial, and social-emotional readiness as they prepare to pursue a two- or four-year college, trade school, or apprenticeship.
When: April 8th, 6:00pm-7:30pm
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